Bet

Dani Alves has again called for Neymar to make the switch to Barcelona, claiming that such a move would improve both the Santos striker and the Catalans' squad.

The right-back, who has represented Brazil 58 times since making his debut in 2006, has played alongside the forward for the Selecao in recent years, and he has now suggested that his compatriot should seek a transfer to Camp Nou.

"Obviously anybody would want to play for Barcelona," he told reporters. "If Barcelona are interested in Neymar and if next month, next year or in two years he comes, I don't know.

"I hope he does come here because, as I've already said, he would get better as a player and he would also improve the team."

However, he distanced himself from reports that Neymar and Messi have already been in touch, saying: "I haven't put Neymar in contact with Leo Messi."

Barcelona face a trip to Mallorca on Sunday, where they will be looking to put the disappointment of their midweek Champions League defeat to Celtic quickly behind them.

The former Sevilla defender has been ruled out recently with a thigh injury, and although he returned to the first team last week, he has not been pleased with his form since his return.

"Of the matches I have played, I think I have been out of form," he conceded. "I am not happy. It is not what I want. I am working to find my best physical form and the rest will then follow."